Download FIF predicts that the Irish Marine sector will have a €20bn turnover

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PRESS RELEASE
Huge Untapped Potential Growth in the Irish Marine Sector
FIF Predicts Sector can generate 100,000 additional jobs with a €20bn turnover by 2032.
The Federation of Irish Fishermen in their Submission in response to the Public Consultation in relation the
Governments “Our Ocean Wealth” Document highlights the potential of the Irish Marine Sector to hugely
contribute to the Irish economy. “We believe a target within twenty years of an additional 100,000 sustainable jobs
in the sector with a total value of €20bn (5% GDP) with the fisheries sector contributing approximately €7bn of this
turnover is achievable provided the necessary supports are put in place” commented Eibhlín O’Sullivan, Chair of
the Federation of Irish Fishermen.
“There is tremendous potential in the Marine Sector to provide a positive contribution both in terms of turnover and
employment generation particularly in coastal peripheral areas. However, it is vital that Ireland positions itself to
ensure that it can achieve the maximum return from these valuable national resources. In particular, there are
difficulties at present between the Foreshore Licensing process, Planning Permission and Aquaculture Licensing and
the Government needs to take action to remove the obstacles in all three of these areas to ensure the message goes
out that Ireland is not only “open for business” but welcome it ” Ms. O’Sullivan continued.
“From a commercial fisheries perspective, it is essential that adequate funding of scientific research is available for
State Agencies such as the Marine Institute and BIM. It is also vital for the Marine Sector in general that Ireland has a
well-funded and properly resourced Marine Survey Office.”
The potential of the Irish Marine Sector cannot be overstated and once the Government puts put the necessary
supports in place in a co-coordinated and effective manner and clearly gets the message out that the Irish Marine
Sector is “open for business” then the target of 100,000 jobs and a €20bn turnover by 2032 is achievable.
ENDS
4th April, 2012.
The Government published a Consultation Document for “Our Ocean Wealth” in February of 2012 and invited
Submissions from the public with a closing date of the 31st of March 2012. Further information is available on
www.ouroceanwealth.ie
Contact Details:
Eibhlin O’Sullivan,CHAIR, FIF and CEO, Irish South & West Fish Producers Organisation Ltd. - 086 2360001
Francis O’Donnell, CEO Irish Fish Producers Organisation - 087 6299522
Sean O’Donoghue CEO Killybegs Fishermens Organisation - 087 4196535